More Than 94,000 NJ Workers Were Hurt or Sickened on the Job in 2015

If you're on the new year hunt for a new career, this report may steer you in the right direction — or help you avoid the wrong one.

Lowryn, ThinkStock

According to new figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 94,000 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported by New Jersey employers throughout 2015. Certain industries appear more vulnerable than others.

The private sector accounted for more than 75 percent of the recorded incidents at work. At more than 25,000, the highest number of cases occurred in the category of trade, transportation and utilities. Another 18,700 cases came from the field of education and health services.

The education/health industry sector registered the highest incidence rate. Out of every 100 employees, 4.2 workers had a workplace injury or illness worth noting.

Overall in the private sector, the state tallied an incidence rate of 2.7 cases per 100 full-time workers. New Jersey was one of 12 states, plus the District of Columbia, to post an incidence rate significantly lower than the national rate of 3.0.

Construction was the only major industry sector to experience a significant decline in the total incidence rate compared to 2014 numbers.

Of the 72,000 private sector incidents, 40,900 were "of a more severe nature," the report said. Those incidents involved days away from work or a job transfer or restriction.

"Most cases with lost work days are often due to sprains, strains and tears," said Martin Kohli, chief regional economist for the Bureau.

State and local government sectors saw an incidence rate of 5.6 cases per 100 full-time workers, compared to a national rate of 5.1. Almost 80 percent of public sector incidents occurred among local government workers, the report said.